Seed rate: If ordering seed or getting ready to sow, make sure that you calculate your sowing rate carefully. The seed rate is the thousand grain weight (TGW) of the grain, multiplied by the target plant population, divided by the estimated establishment percentage.

Teagasc figures show that for winter barley planted in the first half of October, you should aim for a target plant population of 270-280 plants/m2 and an establishment rate of 85%. In the second half of October, aim for a target plant population of 300-310 plants/m2 and estimate an establishment percentage of 80% or 75% later in the year and depending on conditions.

For example, if you have a TGW of 57 sown on 10 October, then you are aiming for a plant population of 290 plants/m2 and an establishment percentage of 85%, which equates to a seed rate of 194kg/ha. Discuss seed rate with your adviser, particularly for hybrid barley and rye.

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For winter wheat planted in the first half of October, aim for a target plant population of 250-260 plants/m2 at an establishment rate of 85%. If you are planting in the second half of October, Teagasc aims for a plant population of 270-280 seed/m2 at an estimated establishment rate of 80%. Moving into November, aim for a plant population of 290-310 plants/m2 as the month moves on and estimate an establishment percentage of 70% depending on conditions.

With dry conditions last year some farmers will have home-saved some seed. Remember that home-saved seed needs to comply with regulations and farmers need to pay royalties to seed breeders for producing the varieties they are growing. You should get that seed tested for disease levels and dressed with fungicide by a professional who has the equipment to do this in a safe and consistent manner.

Growers should remember that certified seed has to meet certain requirements such as a germination of 85%, high purity levels and is free of wild oats, blackgrass, canary grass and sterile brome. If you have grass weeds on your farm, you should really be using certified seed so that you are not spreading a weed around your farm. Keep all seed labels for records and in case of any issues.

Fertiliser register: You need to update your fertiliser stocks on the register by 15 October. If you have no stock, you must also input that. If you have stock you need to list this. If you bought more fertiliser than you were allowed to use this year then this should be on the register.

You cannot use granular urea from this year on. If you are using urea it must be protected, you can use unprotected urea in liquid form. Ensure that you do not purchase urea that is not protected.